Spicy Chicken and Pineapple Casserole

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..... I know sounds weird, but hang in there with me.

My respect for pineapple and cheese casseroles began when I was assigned to bring a side dish to a Hawaiian themed potluck. I stumbled across this recipe on food.com and it was a huge hit. So when I saw this recipe in Paula Deen's new cookbook, I marked it to try right away. In fact, it is the first recipe I have tried out of the Southern Goddess' new bible and will be the first of many. So take that diabetes!


Awhile ago, I commented on Paula Deen's casseroles, but please, allow me to clarify. It was no joke. I adore Paula Deen and every single recipe of hers I have ever tried has been foolproof and delicious. Y'all, she always says "all in moderation." It is not her fault if you can't help but eat an entire pie, cake, or casserole. Or ALL of the melted cheese and cracker topping off of this casserole! Don't do it, it makes your chicken look naked. And your husband will judge you.

Have you ever been making cheeseburgers and the extra cheese spills into the pan and gets all crunchy, fried and delicious? That is what the topping to this dish tastes like. Kill. Me. Now.

It is so worth dishing up, try it tonight!

Spicy Pineapple Chicken Casserole, adapted from Paula Deen

Here's what you'll need:
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 to 2 1/2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Salt and Black pepper
2 Cans (8 ounces each) crushed pineapple, drained
2 tablespoons hot sauce
1 cup crushed Ritz or saltine crackers
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese


Here's what to do:
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease 13 by 9-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Lightly season the chicken all over with salt and black pepper. In batches if necessary, place the chicken in the hot oil and sear until golden brown.  Drain on paper towel-lined plate.
3. In a small bowl, toss together the pineapple and hot sauce. Spread evenly on the bottom of prepared baking dish. Place the Chicken on top of the pineapple. In a small bowl, combine the crackers, butter, and cheese. Scatter the mixture over the top of the chicken and pineapple.
4. Bake until the topping is melted and golden and the chicken is just cooked through, about 45 minutes. Bring straight to the table in the baking dish.

If you stop by, please leave me a comment so I know you were here. Makes me feel like I'm not talking to myself (not as often anyways........)

*Chelsea